Changing the color of tile grout alone can completely transform a space. Whether you’re looking to lighten up your kitchen or bathroom tiles or want to freshen up an older floor, changing grout color is a great way to get the look you desire.
It’s not as intimidating as it may seem–all you need are a few tools and some time! You’ll also need to decide what type of grout sealer and colorant work best for your tile installation: using sanded grout vs. unsanded, epoxy resin-based colorants, acrylic colorants, etc.
It’s important to remember that no matter what kind of grout or sealant you use, it needs to be applied correctly and fully dry before anything else is done. Once everything is ready for application, all existing grout must be removed with either a utility knife or multi-tool. If there are any stains from previous applications of sealers and paints, they should be scrubbed with baking soda-water solution before tiling.
After all the old grout has been removed from between the floor tiles and new ones have been applied, it’s time to choose which grout colorants will work best to achieve desired results. The choice depends on personal preference, but changing the grout color from dark to light wins out if the aim is to make the space look brighter. Additionally, manufacturers’ directions should always be consulted when selecting the right product since different might have different requirements regarding the application process, etc.
After applying a chosen sealer over newly laid out tile lines, all that’s left is to wait till everything dries out properly so a long-lasting solution can take effect, thus giving the room its much-needed makeover! In our guide, you can learn whether you can change your grout joint color as quickly as it appears. By the end, you’ll learn all you need how to change the color of your grout joints without calling in professional tile installers. (Read Can You Paint Over Polycrylic)
What To Do When You Notice Your Grout Color
If you notice your grout color isn’t what you expected or doesn’t match your tiles’, here’s an overview of how to help fix it.
1. Assess The Situation
When the grout color is wrong, assess the situation and determine if re-grouting is necessary.
2. Remove Old Grout
Removing old grouts requires removing them with tools like a utility knife or multi-tool.
3. Clean Tiles Thoroughly
Once the old grouts and paint have been removed, thoroughly clean tiles using baking soda and water on a scrub brush.
4. Choose Desired Color And Apply New Grout
Once you know re-grouting is necessary, select a desired grout color for your new bathroom according to personal preference. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and apply evenly filling gaps between each tile.
Tips For Successful Grouting:
- Always follow instructions provided by manufacturers when installing tiles to ensure proper application of tile adhesive, sealing agents, etc.,
- Ensure all surfaces are completely dry before starting work.
- White sanded grout is recommended for subway tiles because it gives off more contrast against their glossy finish.
How to Remove and Replace Grout
Removing and replacing grout is a common task for tiling projects. It would be best to have the right tools and materials to achieve the best results, including an old toothbrush, utility knife, scrub brush, baking soda, sealant or grout stain, and new grout and tiles.
With just a few steps, you can quickly make your tile look new!
Tools required:
- Plastic sheeting or drop cloths.
- Grout
- Grout pigment
- Microfiber cloths
- Grout sealer
- Grout saw or multi-tool with grout blade.
- Mask
- Eye protection
- Small flat-head screwdriver
- Utility knife
- Shop vacuum
- Scrub brush
- Mixing bucket
- Mixing trowel
- Grout float
- Grout sponge
- Foam paintbrush
Step-by-step Guide:
Remove the existing grout using an old toothbrush to gently scrape away any loose pieces existing grout. Ensure you to be careful not to damage the tiles while doing this.
Once all loose grouted pieces have been removed, use a utility knife or multi-tool to cut out any remaining sections of grout that are still attached to the tile surface.
Next, clean up any debris from previous steps using a scrub brush and some baking soda, if necessary, before installing new grout into place now that everything has been cleared out!
When selecting which type of sealant or grout stain you want for your project, ensure it matches both your desired color and is compatible with whatever kind of flooring material (ceramic/porcelain/stone, etc.) you are working on so that there won’t be any issues down the road later due compatibility concerns!
Spread some fresh new grout onto each tile joint, fully covering them before allowing them to dry completely – usually 8-24 hours. However, always follow the manufacturer’s directions if various times apply otherwise!
Once everything has dried, apply an appropriate sealer over the top of all joints to ensure long-lasting protection against future stains developing within them – preferably, choose acrylic-based colorants or penetrating sealers, depending on personal preference. (Read Acrylic Vs Enamel Paint)
How to Change Grout Color With Colorant
Changing the color of grout lines on any grout, even if it has previously been sealed, is far easier than it ever was. First, the secret is to thoroughly scrub all the various grout joints and joints with a good commercial grout cleaner.
Contemporary grout colorants are typically a mix of colorant and sealer. Application is simple: painting the substance onto the cleaned grout lines with a stiff brush.
1. Scrub the Grout Lines
Scrub the grout lines well with a tiny, stiff scrub brush using a commercial grout cleaner. After washing, rinse the tiles with clear water and neutralize the cleaner with a sponge.
Tip:
The colorant product typically recommends a specific grout cleaning during this preparation phase.
As a cleaner for dirty grout lines, you might also get decent results using regular white vinegar, followed by a paste prepared from water and baking soda.
2. Test the Colorant
To test the colorant, select a hidden area of the tiled surface. Add the colorant to a few inches of grout, then allow it to dry as instructed by the manufacturer.
Ensure the colorant dries to a firm, penetrating finish and withstands light rubbing without flaking.
If it doesn’t work out, try a different type of colorant; a tile outlet store employee might assist you with this.
3. Clean and Rinse the Tile and Grout
Use a sponge and water to clean and rinse the tile and grout thoroughly. Before applying color, let the tile and grout dry for the night.
4. Mask Tile Surfaces (Optional)
If desired, tape off the tile faces using painter’s tape, leaving only the grout lines visible.
Although this procedure is optional, some tile experts advise it. The best technique to stop stains on the face of the unsealed tile is to tape them off. Working in tiny portions is recommended; tape off a few square feet and color it before going on to the other tiles.
5. Apply colorant
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying grout colorant with a small, stiff brush or a pen filled with grout dye. Try to prevent getting too much grout colorant on the tile faces as you work the color firmly into the grout. When applying the colorant, a toothbrush works well.
Gray grout colorant was applied with a green glove to the grey grout between the brown tiles.
6. Wipe Off Excess Colorant
Wipe off any colorant that accidentally gets on the tile faces while the colorant is still wet. If the bathroom tile is properly glazed, some substances can be wiped off it up to two hours later with a nylon-faced sponge. Carefully adhere to the manufacturer’s directions. On the tile floor, extra colorant was removed using a sponge with a yellow nylon face. (Learn How Long Does Enamel Paint Take To Dry)
7. Apply Penetrating Sealer
As the seal and colorant manufacturer directs, allow the grout to seal to completely dry. Several colorant formulations now come with mixed sealer, eliminating the need for additional sealing after application. Others are pure dyes that require a top layer of sealer to be applied once they dry.
After the colorant has completely dried, brush on a sealer over it if directed by the manufacturer. Future discoloration is avoided by sealing the white grout and lines. The white grout and lines will typically become lustrous and slightly
darker once the sealer has been applied.
FAQs
How long before true grout color shows?
Grout that is wet typically looks a dark color compared to grout that is fully dry throughout. New grout may not be totally dry for 24 or even 48 hours. The temperature and humidity of the grout’s place will determine this.
Is the color stripe on the grout bag the exact color?
Despite their best efforts, you can’t rely on grout manufacturers to accurately match the color of the cured grout in the color stripe on the bags.
You can almost always rely on the installed dry grout to look nearly identical to the color of all the grout used when it comes out of the bag if you use pure water to mix the grout and don’t mix in any liquid additives.
Can you change grout color with liquid grout additives?
Be mindful that liquid grout colorants can significantly change the color of installed grout.
Check the grout’s color after a few days to ensure it is completely dried. Compare the color by spreading some unmixed grout from the bag onto the floor close to a grout line.
How to change the color of the grout?
You can get penetrating stains that act like wood stains if you need to change the color of the grout line. To avoid getting any on the tile, apply them to the grout lines slowly and carefully.
With these stains, it’s challenging to change from a dark grout, like dark gray grout, to a re-grout with a light color or light gray one.
You can quickly go from a lighter color to darker grout. Products that claim to be grout stains are diluted paint and best avoided.
What is the most common grout color?
Standard colors of grout include white and black. To better match the tile, grout can also be colored in different hues, usually neutral tones like tan and gray.
Should grout be light or dark?
The color of one tile floor and the color of your grout, is up to you. Light tile and light grout can create a sleek appearance. Dark grout, meanwhile, hides grime and can help define lighter-colored tile.
Should the floor tiles and wall grout match?
The grout doesn’t always need to match if the room has tiled floors and walls. The grout colors should, however, complement one another at the very least and match the tile and wall colors.
Why and Where You Need The Right Colored Grout?
Light Colored Grout:
Light-colored grout is often used to brighten a room and make it look more modern. It also helps to highlight the tiles while making them easier to clean. In some cases, light-colored grout may be required for a home improvement project or if you want to change your current grout color from dark to light.
Wrong Color Grout:
If you have chosen the wrong color for your grout, then changing it can help give your space an updated look. You can choose from assorted colors of grouts available on the market today to find one that best suits your tastes and needs.
Foot Traffic:
Areas with high levels of foot traffic, such as hallways, staircases, and entryways, should use a darker grout color since these areas see more wear and tear than other rooms in the home, which could cause discoloration over time. Changing the existing grout color would help keep these areas looking fresh and new even after extended periods of use. (Learn How Long Does It Take Paint To Dry Outside)
Kitchen Backsplash:
The kitchen backsplash is usually kept relatively simple due to its proximity to food preparation surfaces like countertops and sinks, so lighter colors are typically preferred when choosing a new tile or grouting material here as they won’t stain easily or attract dirt quickly as darker color options may do.
Bathroom Floor:
Bathrooms tend to come alive with bolder colors due to their small size, so switching out an existing dull-colored bathroom flooring for something brighter could transform this area completely without having any major remodeling done beforehand.
Epoxy-Based Colorant:
Epoxy-based colorants are used when wanting permanent changes made within certain surfaces such as floors or wall tiles since this product has excellent adhesion properties. It also keeps its vibrant hue over extended periods regardless of how much foot traffic passes through it daily.
Conclusion: Color Change
With discolored tile installation, it isn’t always because of problems from a tile installer. Sometimes people just want a change – whether because they’re bored with their current setup or prefer something new altogether.
However, whatever reason there may be behind wanting an alteration in their tiling/grouting style, by using various shades available on today’s market (from natural whites all way down through warming browns), homeowners can easily update any part of their home quickly cheaply while achieving maximum effect at the same time!
